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More than 85 percent of donors are from Hawaii

HONOLULU (July 7, 2014) — State Rep. Mark Takai raised more than $210,000 in the second quarter (April-June) – his second straight $200K-plus quarter – in his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives.

More than 85 percent of the donors are from Hawaii and more than 60 percent of the donors contributed $100 or less.

Takai credits his grassroots support for carrying him past his goal. “I am encouraged and extremely grateful for this groundswell of support. It is both a mandate and validation of our campaign,” Takai said.

“With one month to go, we will continue to work hard to bring our message to all the people of Hawaii. Strong fundraising will enable me to communicate my vision of building an economy that includes everyone,” Takai added.

Takai continues to build an unprecedented coalition of support – teachers, veterans, environmental, progressive and building trades groups – in his bid to become the newest member of Hawaii’s congressional delegation. Takai is endorsed by VoteVets, the Hawaii State Teacher’s Association (HSTA), National Education Association (NEA), Ironworkers Union-International, Hawaii Ironworkers Union-Local 625, American Postal Workers Union (APWU)-International, Hawaii APWU, United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW)-International, UFCW-Local 480, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, American Optometric Association, Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, and Boilermakers-Local 627, Equality Hawaii, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA), the Sierra Club, and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

Iraqi war veteran and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth endorsed Takai, and said he will bring two traits that are sorely needed in Congress: courage and ability to get things done.

“Mark Takai has been my friend since we attended college together at the University of Hawaii. Like me, he is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard, and he served overseas as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009. As a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, Mark Takai has worked toward the same goals that motivated my own campaign for Congress, like making college more affordable, strengthening programs that protect our seniors, and helping working families achieve the American Dream,” Duckworth said.

“Mark Takai’s focus on education, working families, seniors, and our veterans is exactly what Hawaii, and America, needs. Mark Takai is a true progressive who is more than ready, and able, to serve,” said Honda, the chair emeritus of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

“If Hawaii voters want to stand up for progressive values, then they have a clear choice for Congress in Mark Takai. In Hawaii’s State House of Representatives, Mark Takai has fought for seniors, veterans, and working families. His record of military service and unwavering support for equality for all Americans make him an outstanding candidate. As a former high school teacher, I particularly appreciate his commitment to public education. We need a courageous leader and progressive champion like Mark Takai in the US House,” said Takano, who serves as Co-Chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus.

Takai is a 20-year member of the Hawaii State House. He serves as Chairman, House Committee on Veterans, Military, and International Affairs, & Culture and the Arts.

Takai is also a Lt. Col. in the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009.

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PO Box 2267, Pearl City, HI 96782

Mark Takai is a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense or Department of the Army.